Dilemmas in Ethical Leadership Analysis (Essay Sample)

Dilemmas in Ethical Leadership
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Dilemmas in Ethical Leadership
Ethical leadership is guided by respect for moral values such as trust, consideration, honesty, and fairness as well as respect for peers and subordinates. The ethics and values are seen through the leader’s action in day to day life. Management refers to motivating a group/organization to achieve its goal. Those in charge are tasked with steering the company forward in the face of challenges. The paper examines some dilemmas faced by the leaders and some approaches towards them.
While in leadership, one is likely to face opposition from within and without the organization framework he/she works in. An ethical leader ought to foster diplomacy. This could be through encouraging constructive criticism from both peers and subject. It is always best to avoid confrontation either verbally or physically. A better approach is first taking a step back while trying to figure out the cause of opposition. While trying to understand the other person better, it is always wise to see things from their point of view. Encouraging negotiations reduce tension and puts the opposing party in a collaborative mood while seeking a way forward. However, as a leader, one should never submit to coercion or deceptive tactics by the opposing parties. In such times, one ought to show courage and stand up to those opposed to your ideas.
Good leadership demands one to uphold the rule of law always. However, some times may require one to make a decision for the greater good. For example, when faced with a tough decision that may involve breaking the law in some way, it is always prudent to exhaust all the available alternatives. In particular, situations could be life threatening such as those faced by doctors in their line of work, for example, the need to perform an abortion; an act deemed illegal in some cultures. In such a dilemma, the immediate needs of the individual may be overlooked in finding a better and lasting solution.
As a good leader, one ought to be fair and just always. In executing fairness, one should treat the subject equal regardless of their gender, affiliate or relationship. By definition, fairness ensures that due regard is paid to the safety, property or interest of the subject. A favor towards one’s kin or friend is common especially in cases where the leader is faced with the task of awarding or rewarding. Similarly, a leader should not be hesitant in granting a position or promotion to a member of a given gender. The virtue of justice, that is, acting in accordance with the law, is required among good leaders. They should not engage in corruption, nepotism, tribalism among other social vices despite the temptation of benefiting oneself at the expense of others.
Ethical leadership demands one to encourage open communication with the subjects always. Some leaders may be at fault in making opinions about things they are not conversant with fully. In solving this dilemma, one is encouraged to consult widely with the subordinated as well as the subjects before settling for the way forward. As a leader, it is also invited to engage in conversations about learning other people’s point of view. It is, therefore, prudent to create a network that will ensure you are always updated .It will, in turn, ensure that the leader makes a timely and informed decision.
As a leader, one is bound to face a crisis that will call for prompt decision making. Good leadership will demand acting rationally at such times. In as much a quick solution will need to be reached, the leader should avoid being rushy. The solution should not only be temporary but should work without an effect in the organization framework. For example, on the face of a sudden economic crisis, a leader may be faced the difficult choice of laying off a section of workers or borrowing funds.As a leader, I would resort to stabilizing the current predicament then speaking to the subordinates on ways in which the organization may increase its productivity to shield the current crisis. With the right strategies, turbulent times are bound to pass based on the decisions the leaders make.
Those in leadership also have lives outside their place of work. After work , some attend their families. One is likely to feel overwhelmed with too much work, missing out on spouses or family, or too busy to enjoy one's social life. Balancing between work and family has proven to be difficult to both genders with the female affected more on average. The affected parties ought to focus on a plan, get organized while seeking to balance profession and parenthood. Some of the activities that such leaders may resort to are finding more time for their fa